Scottie Scheffler nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback at the Masters, overcoming a 12-shot deficit with two bogey-free weekend rounds to finish just one shot behind winner Rory McIlroy.
Despite the strong finish, Scheffler was frustrated with inconsistent course conditions at Augusta National Golf Club, softer greens on Friday that he felt created uneven scoring opportunities. His second-round 2-over 74, combined with tougher early conditions, left him too far behind after Friday.
He rebounded with a 7-under round Saturday and nearly closed the gap late on Sunday but ultimately fell short. Scheffler noted that his Friday performance hurt his chances most, even as he became the first golfer since 1942 to post consecutive bogey-free weekend rounds at the Masters.
McIlroy held on to win his second straight Masters title, marking the first repeat champion at Augusta since Tiger Woods in 2001–02.